Emeritus San Marcos and nearly a dozen other Central Texas assisted living facilities have been renamed following a merger between Brentwood, Tenn.-based Brookdale Senior Living and Seattle-based Emeritus Corp.

Finalized in July, the merger made Brookdale the largest owner and operator of senior housing in the United States with about 1,200 properties and 113,000 units spread among 46 states, according to a briefing for investors. The companies reported a combined $4.9 billion in revenue last year.

As part of an effort to build brand recognition and continuity, executives have renamed Emeritus at San Marcos, 1401 Wonder World Drive, as Brookdale San Marcos South. Ten other senior communities in Travis and Williamson counties, formerly “Emeritus” or “The Summit” facilities, will also operate under the Brookdale banner.

It’s obvious from this announcement that care for elders is really big business. The scary thing is what happens to those without the money to pay for care in one of these rather expensive facilities. I know expensive is a relative word but it’s more than double what most folks get in Social Security. When the Baby Boomers reach the point where they need assisted living, many won’t be able to afford it, so while these folks are pocketing the net of their $4.9 billion, I hope someone’s figuring out how to care for those without these means.

Kate, I agree with you just wanted to point out that the article states they reported “$4.9 billion in revenue last year.” so that’s revenue before any expenses. It doesn’t state the amount they pocketed.